On February 5th, Ireland joined more than 100 other countries in celebrating Safer Internet Day 2019 to promote a better internet.

MORE BOYS THAN GIRLS speak with strangers online, 27% of boys vs 11% of girls.

THE ISSUE IS BIGGER THAN SMART PHONES: A large proportion of children are speaking with strangers online with a device other than a smart phone. 43% do not use a Smart Phone to speak with a stranger online. Smart phones, iPods and Tablets have the same capability and the same risk.

MINORITY OF CHILDREN DO NOT SEE THE RISK: 27% of Primary school children think it is ‘not serious at all’ or ‘kind of serious’ to talk to a stranger online.

MORE OLDER THAN YOUNGER CHILDREN speak with strangers online, 27% of 6th class vs 12% of 2nd class.

Dr Marina Everri, Head of Research at Zeeko recommends that children’s VIRTUAL WORLD FRIENDS are their REAL WORLD FRIENDS: Children should only connect with people they know in the real world first e.g. brother, sister, someone from school, where they live etc.Parents should discuss with their children who they are connected with online. Parents should become curious of what their children do and what their children’s interests are. Parents will never know everything. It is important to respect children’s privacy because this supports a reciprocal trust. Take the opportunity to engage in discussions with your children starting from the hints/ ideas they tell you.